<html>
<head>
<meta content="text/html; charset=windows-1252"
http-equiv="Content-Type">
</head>
<body text="#000000" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
Hey all,<br>
<br>
TL;DR: Elections are open. Please nominate and/or stand.<br>
<br>
Just a reminder that there are only a few days left until the
nomination period for next year's council closes. If you haven't
already, please head over to <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://www.linux.org.au/membership/">https://www.linux.org.au/membership/</a>
and get nominating. If anybody is considering running and would like
to know more about what is involved I'd be more than happy to have a
chat and answer any questions you might have.<br>
<br>
As a lot of you may already know, I do not intend on re-standing for
council this year. I have been on the council for 6 years now (and
involved with LA for even longer) and I think it's time for some
fresh blood, so to speak.<br>
<br>
It has been an honour to be trusted by the community to lead this
organisation for such a long time. While I haven't achieved as much
as I had planned, it has been a privilege to be involved and to do
what I could. I hope that I have been able to improve and continue
the organisation's success during this time. Thank you all for this
opportunity.<br>
<br>
Linux Australia has a lot of challenges ahead of itself for the
coming few years. I touched on a lot of these during my 2014
Presidents report, and I expect them to be present again in my 2015
report as they are large and ongoing concerns.<br>
<br>
I would like to see the community thinking about some bigger
questions. The organisation has been successful in recent years in
running events but less so in lobbying to the government or
advocating for policy changes etc.<br>
<br>
Linux and open source are generally well received technologies and
don’t require advocating for in the same way that they may have been
10-15 years ago. This raises a question of how do we stay relevant
as Linux Australia. In fact, it is pretty obvious that we aren’t
relevant as "Linux" Australia since we’re much more about being an
open source organisation.<br>
<br>
A name change for our organisation has been discussed many times
before, but I believe it to still be an important discussion.
However, extending even further from that are more fundamental
questions to the organisation. For example, with open source being
so mainstream, what does that mean for us? Or what does the
popularity of mobile and web platforms mean for open source? Are
there opportunities or a need for advocacy in those areas? How do we
extend our ideals to open web, open data, open government, open
hardware and open culture? How do we ensure that our values[0] are
upheld in our industries?<br>
<br>
I would like to encourage and challenge our membership to be
discussing these types of issues in a large picture sense and to be
giving thought as to how we might be able to address some of them.
Clearly these types of questions are very difficult to tackle purely
at a Council level - especially when they are concerned with the
administration and ongoing running of the organisation - so it is
imperative that the community attempts to gain a consolidated voice
in these areas.<br>
<br>
A lot of these challenges are reflected in the 2013 membership
survey[1] where our brand and purpose was often mis-identified by
members not understanding what we do. Addressing these systemic
questions will help guide the direction of the organisation and also
lead towards addressing issues such as our poor communication to
membership.<br>
<br>
Of course with not standing for the 2016 council myself, that
doesn't mean I will be disappearing altogether. I intend to help the
new council on these challenges in any way I can. I also want to
make sure that I'm available to consult and offer advice where
possible should the new council wish to reach out.<br>
<br>
Thank you all for a wonderful 6 years. I look forward to watching
this organisation continue to grow to its full potential.<br>
<br>
Warm regards,<br>
Joshua Hesketh<br>
<br>
[0] <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://linux.org.au/values">http://linux.org.au/values</a><br>
[1] <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://linux.org.au/news/news/linux-australia-member-survey-2013">http://linux.org.au/news/news/linux-australia-member-survey-2013</a><br>
<br>
<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 22/12/15 22:31, Linux Australia
Secretary wrote:<br>
</div>
<blockquote cite="mid:56793476.4020005@linux.org.au" type="cite">
<meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html;
charset=windows-1252">
<meta charset="utf-8">
<b style="font-weight:normal;"
id="docs-internal-guid-52c34d8f-c974-b3c4-0f93-e50537ca6ecc">
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Dear Linux Australia Community,</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Pursuant to clause (15) of the Linux Australia constitution [1] we hereby declare an election open and call for nominations to the Linux Australia Council for the term February 2016 to January 2017.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">All office bearer and ordinary committee member positions are open for election.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> * Nominations will open from 22 December 2015 until 10 January 2016</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> * Voting will open 11 January until 31 January 2016</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> * Results will be announced at the AGM in Geelong at </span><a
moz-do-not-send="true" href="http://linux.conf.au/"
style="text-decoration:none;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#1155cc;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">linux.conf.au</span></a><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> on or after 01 February</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The election can be viewed here:</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><a
moz-do-not-send="true"
href="https://linux.org.au/membership/index.php?page=view-election&id=22"
style="text-decoration:none;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#1155cc;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"></span></a><a
moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="https://www.linux.org.au/membership/index.php?page=view-election&id=22"><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://www.linux.org.au/membership/index.php?page=view-election&id=22">https://www.linux.org.au/membership/index.php?page=view-election&id=22</a></a></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">*What do I need to do?*</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">First of all, make sure your details are correct in MemberDB [2]</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">If you wish to nominate, identify the positions you wish to nominate for and get an understanding of what they involve. Think about what you might bring to the role and prepare a short pitch. Then, accept the</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">nomination you've been given by clicking the 'Accept nomination' link.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">If you wish to nominate another person for a position, you may wish to contact them first and have a chat to make sure they're happy being nominated. Then follow the 'Nominate' link to nominate them.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Once voting is open, you will be able to vote for candidates. Results will be announced at the AGM at </span><a
moz-do-not-send="true" href="http://linux.conf.au/"
style="text-decoration:none;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#1155cc;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">linux.conf.au</span></a><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">*Why should I nominate?*</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Being a member of Linux Australia Council is a fun way to meet new people, work on exciting projects and expand your skill base. It gives you excellent transferable skills to help build your career, and allows</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">you to grow your professional network. It looks great on a CV, and is also a chance to give back to the vibrant Linux and open source ecosystem in Australia and globally. If you're passionate about Linux and open source, it's a great opportunity to help drive and steer Australia's contribution in this field.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The roles do require a time commitment - a minimum of 2-3 hours per week for an Ordinary Council Member; for office bearers 8-12 hours per week - so please consider this with your nomination.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">*Why should I run?*</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">If you’ve been nominated, or are thinking of nominating yourself, you should give the opportunity serious consideration. Being on the council is both hard and often thankless work, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Linux Australia can only achieve what it does by its members and helping out with the council responsibilities is a great way to ensure Linux Australia continues to be successful. It is also an opportunity to help the organisation grow, reach into new areas and to succeed on important topics of national relevance.</span></p>
<br>
<br>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">[1]</span><a
moz-do-not-send="true"
href="http://www.linux.org.au/constitution"
style="text-decoration:none;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#1155cc;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"></span></a><a
moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.linux.org.au/constitution"><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.linux.org.au/constitution">http://www.linux.org.au/constitution</a></a></p>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">[2]</span><a
moz-do-not-send="true"
href="http://www.linux.org.au/membership"
style="text-decoration:none;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#1155cc;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"></span></a><a
moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext"
href="http://www.linux.org.au/membership"><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.linux.org.au/membership">http://www.linux.org.au/membership</a></a></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">As always, your feedback and questions are warmly welcomed. If you'd like to have a chat with anyone on Council around what it involves, please do make contact.</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">With kind regards,</span></p>
<br>
<p dir="ltr"
style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;"><span style="font-size:12.666666666666666px;font-family:Arial;color:#222222;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Sae Ra</span></p>
</b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline">
<meta charset="utf-8">
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">--
Sae Ra Germaine
Secretary
Linux Australia
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:secretary@linux.org.au">secretary@linux.org.au</a>
<a moz-do-not-send="true" class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://linux.org.au">http://linux.org.au</a>
Linux Australia Inc
GPO Box 4788
Sydney NSW 2001
Australia
ABN 56 987 117 479</pre>
<br>
<fieldset class="mimeAttachmentHeader"></fieldset>
<br>
<pre wrap="">_______________________________________________
announce mailing list
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:announce@lists.linux.org.au">announce@lists.linux.org.au</a>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://lists.linux.org.au/mailman/listinfo/announce">http://lists.linux.org.au/mailman/listinfo/announce</a>
</pre>
</blockquote>
<br>
</body>
</html>